Spring Semester and Personal Data Packet

majortheta

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
Messages
54
I am a college re-applicant. In the personal data packet, which I submitted last week, the current course selection included a list of spring semester courses that I plan on taking. My current class schedule is as follows:

-Chemistry with lab
-Calculus 1
-Technical Writing (APed out of literature)
-Origin of Ideas (Required as part of my college program)
-Introduction to Honors (Required as part of my college program)

It's 15 credit hours. I'm in a honors program at my college, thus the required classes. One question I have is whether I should let the Academy know that these classes are required by the university. I don't want them to think I'm taking wimpy classes.

My second semester choices that I submitted are as follows:

-Physics with calculus and lab
-Calculus 2
-Introduction to Programming
-Origin of Ideas (required)
-Introduction to Honors (required)

This choice is 17 credits. My main concern is the programming course I am planning to take. Because of my AP scores I have no remaining history class requirements for my university. Should I stick with the programming class or find a humanities or history class I should take?

The other question I had referred to the personal statement. Keep in mind that I've already submitted the data packet. The personal statement I submitted was a revised version of the one I submitted last year. Today I just read that the Academy wants a completely new essay. The problem is not writing a new essay. The problem is that I've already submitted the old essay. Should I just write a new essay and then contact admissions with the new statement or am I stuck?
 
From what I have been reading on the stickies and other peoples questions, I have concluded that you should try to mimic the classes that you would be taking as a plebe. You have chemistry and calc. which is good, but if I were you I'd try too get into a history class as well. Don't quote me on this, but I am not sure that they see what you dd you second semester because the board would have already seen your case by then. I am not 100% sure about that last statement, but I've seen the argument both ways.
 
I think you're fine to the degree, as noted, you mimick a typical Plebe year plan of study. As noted, only your first semester performance will be reviewed in determining your scholastic qualification for appointability. Good luck! Ace your calc, chem, writing!
 
Remember, you are trying to convince the Admissions Board (beyond reasonable doubt) that you can handle a stressful academic, athletic, and military environment. Thus, the "more" (to some extent) you fill your plate with rigorous academics, ECAs, sports, etc. and perform as a high level, the more likely you will prove your case.

I'd recommend in addition to the courses, find some activities or sports that you can get involved in on a consistent basis -- whether that is ROTC, community service organizations, student government, Semper Fi Society (if available), local road races, etc. etc. Remember, you are also competing against OTHER college applicants, the extra step or two that you take, the more you might stick out as a viable candidate.

As far as the essay is concerned, the main reason USNA wants a completely re-written essay is to get a new perspective from what you learned in the year since you applied. If you already had some event and captured that in your newly "redone" essay, you are probably fine (and to be honest, I don't think they go back and compare/contrast essays, though I can't confirm this), but if it is a mimic or tells practically the same story, you might want to reconsider re-writing it. I really doubt anyone will care since Admissions just put this guidance out on their FB page only a few weeks ago.
 
As far as the essay is concerned, the main reason USNA wants a completely re-written essay is to get a new perspective from what you learned in the year since you applied. If you already had some event and captured that in your newly "redone" essay, you are probably fine (and to be honest, I don't think they go back and compare/contrast essays, though I can't confirm this), but if it is a mimic or tells practically the same story, you might want to reconsider re-writing it. I really doubt anyone will care since Admissions just put this guidance out on their FB page only a few weeks ago.
I basically retold the same story as the old essay, but the problem I have is that I have already submitted it.
 
Based on Admission's guidance then, I would write a new one and when you have the finalized version ready, I would email it to your Regional Counselor and I'm sure they can copy it in or reset and you can re-fill the form --- you have plenty of time before being reviewed, so that isn't an issue.
 
I will work on the new personal statement and send it in. Thank you all for your help.
 
I was just listening to the BGO summer training topics and for returning (college) candidates, they do want an original essay -- so definitely re-submit. Also, it seems as if not participating in activities in college can actually go against you -- in other words, if you float through college with As and didn't challenge yourself, well....you didn't challenge yourself....so find something to do!
 
I was a college re-applicant last year and am now a plebe at USNA. In terms of college classes I think you're fine. Last year I took Honors Calc 1, Chem 1, Spanish 2, and an Honors Seminar (which sounds similar to your honors class). That was 16 credits and I got a 3.75 that semester. I don't even think the Naval Academy knew what classes I was taking my 2nd semester when I got accepted (mid February), but I think you're fine with your proposed schedule. I took Econ, Psychology, Spanish 3, an Irish history class, and another honors class, but like I said, I don't think USNA knew what my schedule was.

On the ECA's... I didn't do a single extra-curricular, except working eight hours a week on work study. If you want to push yourself then go ahead, but I would focus mainly on academics, because I think that is a huge majority of what USNA looks for in college applicants.

Good luck.
 
Academics will be the main focus....if you want to make yourself that more competitive, you should do some type of ECA. Head of CGO stated they would like to see college candidates still engaged in ECAs, you can choose as you see fit. Once again, simple things such as running a road race once a month, doing community service, etc. isn't really time intensive and might help give you an edge (in addition to the personal satisfaction you get from helping others and keeping in shape!).
 
I'm currently an Assistant Scoutmaster in my Boy Scout troop. I'm not sure how they would know what I'm doing in terms of ECAs if all I have to submit to them is the Activities Record and the BGO interview.

One other question, do they send CVW to college applicants at all?
 
You can always provide a written statement that is signed by a supervisor and is added to your file. As you mention, not only should you state what your activities/job is, but also briefly explain what you do and how it enhances your leadership/character traits.

Not sure about a CVW. But I think I have heard of a college applicant receiving one.
 
Yes, I am a reapplicant. Everything in my package is complete except for the CFA; an orthopedic injury restricted my ability to run. I plan to take the CFA next time I return from school.

I was told there is no rush to complete the CFA because my file won't go before the board until after my fall semester grades are received. (Mid January)
 
I should also add that I am a college sophomore. The best piece of advice I can give you is to go to your professors' office hours. My school is a state university with 25,000+ undergraduates, so it is easy to become just a face in the crowd. By visiting your instructors during office hours, you build a personal relationship and become more than just an ID number. When the time comes to submit a USNA math and english teacher recommendation, these professors will be happy to write a glowing recommendation.

As for extracurriculars, I know it can be hard to get involved as soon as you arrive on campus. Try finding a club that pertains to your major or career interest. Joining such a club will introduce you to others with similar interests and provide excellent professional development opportunities. Make sure to inform USNA of any leadership activity within the club.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. I may be able to help as I was in your position last year.
 
i should also add that i am a college sophomore. The best piece of advice i can give you is to go to your professors' office hours. My school is a state university with 25,000+ undergraduates, so it is easy to become just a face in the crowd. By visiting your instructors during office hours, you build a personal relationship and become more than just an id number. When the time comes to submit a usna math and english teacher recommendation, these professors will be happy to write a glowing recommendation.

+1

as for extracurriculars, i know it can be hard to get involved as soon as you arrive on campus. Try finding a club that pertains to your major or career interest. Joining such a club will introduce you to others with similar interests and provide excellent professional development opportunities. Make sure to inform usna of any leadership activity within the club.

+1
 
I contacted Admissions and they told me that they couldn't change a personal statement once it had been submitted.
 
Never mind, I called the office of admissions and they told me to mail a hard copy to them
 
Back
Top